The Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale, held today in  the capital,   was a magnificent tribute to art and  craft of Indian fashion and trade,   presented by  one of the coveted designers Tarun Tahiliani. The  theme for the grand finale – ‘The New Democrazy’  aims at a new direction and   new start by paying  mark of respect to rich democracy of   India’s  textiles, prints, fabric, weaves and colour. Wills  Lifestyle   celebrated the completion of 10 years by  bringing the two pioneers in   fashion and luxury  together to present a splendid finale.

The Wills   Lifestyle Grand Finale Spring-Summer  2011 unfolded through a brilliantly   scripted and  masterfully presented act. The entire look and  feel of   the ramp was very organic. Two larger than  life trees were fabricated at   the entry of the  ramp with a smoke curtain embedded giving   the  audience the feel of models walking through  infinity. The   ramp was fabricated in white jute  with the ceiling draped with ‘niward’.   During the  course of the show there were series of  interesting   projections on the trees showcasing  the growth of life. The models   walked down the  ramp in gorgeous outfits which were   breathtakingly beautiful in their craftsmanship.

  Speaking on the   eve of the grand finale, Atul  Chand, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC   Lifestyle  Retailing, said “The Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale,  across   editions of the event, has always set new  benchmarks in terms of   showcasing the best of  Indian fashion celebrating novelty, style   and  fashion. The Grand Finale this edition has yet  again surpassed   all expectations by the original  Tarun Tahiliani. The show was splendid   with the  fabulous combination of Tarun’s creativity and  technique. The   detailed collection was an absolutetreat to watch.”

He further   added, “Our partnership with Tarun  extends beyond the ramp. Today’s   Grand Finale  collection will be retailed at the Wills Lifestylestores   across the country.”

Expressing his thoughts, Tarun Tahiliani said,   “It  gives me immense pleasure to finally be the grand  finale designer   and association of my label with  Wills Lifestyle. As I mentioned earlier,   this is  the only fashion sponsor that brings accessible  fashion to   people all over India. This edition of  Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week   has set a new  standard for fashion week which is the definitive  India   fashion trade fair held in association withFashion Design Council of India.”

He added, “I look forward to the launch of ‘OTT’  my secondary   label in Wills Lifestyle stores fromthis Spring.”

The highlight of   the finale was revealed towards  the end of the show with forty Sufi   singers  performing live on the ramp appearing from hidden  pits on the   wall. The audiences at the Wills  Lifestyle Grand Finale were left spell   bound as  they saw Tarun Tahiliani’s New Democrazy leaving astrong   impression on one and all.

About the collection  Swatches of India,   old and new, unfurl with each  drape combining the conventional in   an  unconventional way. There is a focus on textured  handloom and   daytime silhouettes. Saris, dresses  and goddess caftans pin tuck and twine   as if they  have a mind of their own. Rules get rewritten with  ensembles   that have gilets thrown over  Kutchikediyus.The latticing on a tunic   leads to an  unexpected cache of mother-of-pearl on sheer net.  Bandhini   appliqué and chikankari find equal  footing.

Simple Naada gets   woven into web, while fine block  printing provides surface relief.   It’s the  creative mix of all these elements that gives the  collection   such an innovative edge.

A creamy tableau of color has shades of   sand,  ivory, beige, ecru, taupe and charcoal, with  accents of pale   pumpkin and shell. Supporting this  narrative are swathes of voile, silk   chiffons and  georgette and chamois satin. Muslin and khadi fuse  into   malkha; a new, light, breathable fabric for a  new spring.

The   collection has its origins steeped across the  country. The various colours of   its soil and dust,  which are as varied and divergent as its people.  The   turban and odhni fall united with each drape.  There is revelry in cloth   and embellishment. It  takes all these factors and spins them   into  beautiful, original hybrid creations.We are  overflowing with   an abundant wealth of resources  that all work together to create the   style of  India today.